A group of residents in Nigeria’s northern areas, which are under a state of emergency, are suing government and mobile operators for allegedly violating their communication rights.

Reports have emerged that communication services have been ‘cut’ in states such as Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in these areas in March this year because of an insurgency by Islamist sect Boko Haram.

Subsequently, the group of residents are suing the the attorney general of the federation, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and Nigeria’s four major GSM operators -- which include MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat.

The matter has been brought before the Federal High Court in Gombe.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Babatunde Quadir, on Monday suspended the service of the motion filed by the applicants, owing to what is said to be the non-appearance of the respondents.

He did though argue that an application of this nature should be heard without delay.

But at the time of writing, a new date has not been set for the case.